Game Device

ABSTRACT

A game device and method for tossing rings at a target configured as a deer skull. The device includes a deer skull having one or more beams and a plurality of points able to receive rings thereon. The device further includes a support having a vertical elongated pole adjustable in length, wherein the pole is removably attached to a base. The deer skull is removably secured to the upper end of the pole and platform is removably attached to the pole in order to catch tossed rings that are not received by the points. The device further includes an alternative embodiment of the support, wherein the support is an L-shaped mount that secures the deer skull to a vertical support surface. Players alternate turns tossing rings onto the points positioned on the deer skull, wherein the points are oriented at various angles so as to include various game challenges.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/026,819 filed on Jul. 21, 2014. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to game devices. More specifically, the present invention provides a target configured as a deer skull, wherein the deer skull includes one or more beams having a plurality of points thereon adapted to receive one or more rings thereon. The deer skull is removably attached to a support adapted to position the deer skull in an upright orientation wherein the points extend upward. In some embodiments, the support comprises a vertical elongated pole disposed on a base. The device further includes a platform that can be removably attached to the pole in order to catch tossed rings that are not received by the points. In an alternative embodiment of the support, the support is an L-shaped mount adapted to secure the deer skull to a vertical support surface, such as a wall. The L-shaped mount attaches to the interior surface of the deer skull so that skull is in an upright orientation, wherein the points extend upward. The game device further comprises three methods of play. Players alternate turns tossing rings onto the points included on the deer skull, wherein the points are oriented at various angles, including vertical and horizontal orientations, so as to include various game challenges.

Many individuals enjoy playing games when tailgating, camping, and engaging in other social gatherings. Furthermore, many people are interested in finding and playing new games. However, most games are difficult to transport to a picnic area, home, or other location and can become boring after a short period of time. Some games must be played indoors or require a special area for play, such as basketball or baseball. Other games only allow for a limited number of players, such as one player versus one player. If there are many individuals to entertain, one player versus one player games are frustrating for the individuals watching, unable to participate. There exists a need for a portable and easily disassembled game that can be played both indoors and outdoors by users of all ages that provides different variations for maximum entertainment.

Devices have been disclosed in the prior art that relate to game devices. These include devices that have been patented and published in patent application publications. These devices generally relate to a game having throwing elements and one or more targets adapted to receive said throwing elements thereon. These devices include U.S. Patent Application Publication Number 2010/0176554 to Godwin and U.S. Pat. No. 1,705,501 to Elmer. Other devices, such as U.S. Design Patent Number D671,598 to Makaruk and U.S. Design Patent Number D684,636 to Chen, relate to ornamental designs, such as an alien, for a themed ring toss target. One other device, U.S. Pat. No. 2,306,898 to Palmer, relates to a ring toss game that includes a self-propelled target which moves forward when a player hits said target. These devices, however, fail to disclose a ring toss game, wherein the target comprises a deer skull having one or more beams with a plurality of points thereon adapted to receive rings thereon. Furthermore, these devices fail to disclose a target positioned at multiple, various angles, other than in a vertical orientation.

In light of the devices disclosed in the prior art, it is submitted that the present invention substantially diverges in design elements from the prior art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing game devices. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of game devices now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new game device wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when tossing rings at a target configured as a deer skull.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved game device that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a game device comprising a target configured as a deer skull, wherein the deer skull includes one or more beams having a plurality of points adapted to receive rings thereon.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a game device wherein the deer skull is removably attached to a support comprising a vertical elongated pole with a base adapted to support the pole therein, wherein the pole is adjustable in length.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a game device further comprising a platform removably attached to the pole adapted to catch tossed rings that miss the points.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a game device wherein, in an alternative embodiment of the support, the support is an L-shaped mount adapted to secure the deer skull to a vertical support surface, such as a wall.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a game device comprising three methods of play, wherein players alternate turns tossing rings onto the points included on the deer skull, wherein the points are oriented at various angles, including vertical and horizontal orientations, so as to comprise various game challenges.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a game device that may be readily fabricated from materials that permit relative economy and are commensurate with durability.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the game device.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of the game device.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the support of the game device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the game device. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for playing a game. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a perspective view and an exploded view of an embodiment of the game device, respectively. The game device 11 comprises a target configured as a deer skull 12, wherein the deer skull 12 includes one or more beams 29 having a plurality of points 16 adapted to receive rings 15 thereon. In other embodiments, the target can comprise the shape of any animal skull having points thereon, such as antelope, elk, and moose, among others. The device 11 further includes an elongated pole 17 with a base 13 disposed on the lower end thereof, wherein the base is perpendicular to the elongated pole 17. A platform 14 is removably attached to the pole 17 in order to receive tossed rings 15 that are not received by the points 16 thereon.

The deer skull 12 preferably includes a pair of beams 29 that include a plurality of points 16 thereon. In the illustrated embodiments, a first beam 29 is disposed on a side of the upper end of the deer skull 12 and is a mirror image of a second beam 29 disposed on the opposing side of the deer skull 12. The number and position of points 16 on one side of the beam 29 are a mirror image of the number and position of the points 16 on the opposing beam 29. However, in other embodiments, the points 16 on opposing sides of the beam 29 have an unequal number of points 16 and vary in position. Furthermore, some embodiments include one or more beams 29 disposed on the deer skull 12 adapted to add varied playing configurations to the device 11, as well as account for the variety of configurations of existing deer skulls 12.

The points 16 are oriented at various angles, including vertical and horizontal orientations, so the object of tossing a ring 15 onto a point 16 can include varying challenges. In this way, once a point 16 receives a ring 15 thereon, the ring 15 remains around the point until a player removes the ring 15 therefrom. The beam 29 and points 16 extend upwardly from the upper portion of the deer skull 12. The deer skull 12, beams 29, and points 16 can be composed of a genuine deer bone or any suitable materials, such as plastic or wood.

The deer skull 12 is preferably hollow so as to allow the upper end of the elongated pole 17 to fit therein. In this way, the upper end of the pole 17 is hidden from view for aesthetic appeal. The skull 12 includes an aperture 25 adapted to receive a fastener 26 therethrough. The upper end of the pole 17 is placed within the upper, rear portion of the skull 12, wherein the aperture 25 of the skull 12 is adapted to align with a channel 24 disposed in the upper end of the elongated pole 17. Any type of suitable fastener, such as a screw, is placed through the aperture 25 of the skull 12 and into the channel 24 of the pole 17. The pole 17 includes a first rod 32 adapted to fit over a second rod 33 allowing the pole 17 to be adjustable in length for a variety of playing positions. One or more apertures 30 are disposed along the length of the first rod 32 and second rod 33 adapted to receive a fastener 31 therethrough. In this way, the first rod 32 fits over the second rod 33, wherein an aperture 30 on the first rod 32 aligns with an apertures 30 on the second rod 33 at the desired pole 17 length. A fastener 31, such as a screw, is adapted to be placed through the aligned apertures 30 to allow the pole 17 to remain in the desired position.

The lower end of the pole 17 is removably connected to a base 13. The base 13 is hollow so as to allow for transportability of the device 11. When the device 11 is in use, the base 13 is filled with any suitable material, such as water or sand so the device 11 is stabilized and prevented from tipping. When the device 11 is transported, the water or sand is removed from the base so the device 11 is lighter and portable. The device 11 further includes an opening 21 disposed in the upper surface of the base 13 adapted to allow the water or sand to be removed therefrom or placed therein. The opening 21 is covered by a plug 18 to prevent material from spilling out of the base 13. The plug 18 is preferably the same diameter as the opening 21 so as to fit within the opening 21 and create a seal. In some embodiments, the plug 18 is secured to the base 13 by means of a strap. The strap prevents the separation of the plug 18 from the device 11.

The device 11 further comprises a platform 14 adapted to catch tossed rings 15 thereon that a point 16 fails to receive. The platform 14 comprises any suitable light-weight material, such as mesh netting 28 or plastic, so as to allow for the transportability of the device 11. In this illustrated embodiment, the platform 14 comprises mesh netting 28 having an X-shaped support 27 adapted to provide structure to the netting 28. The center of the X-shaped support 27 extends from the center of the platform 14 to the perimeter thereof. In some embodiments, the mesh netting 28 is removably attached to the X-shaped support 27 by any suitable fastener, such as clips. In this way, the platform 14 is adapted to be disassembled into a compact configuration.

The platform 14 further includes an opening 22 in the center adapted to receive the vertical elongated pole 17 therethrough. When the device 11 is assembled, the platform 14 is disposed horizontally on the vertical pole 17 and positioned between the deer skull 12 and the base 13. The perimeter of the opening 22 of the platform 14 includes a band 23 composed of rubber or other suitable material adapted to prevent the platform 14 from slipping down the pole 17. The interior of the band 23 is preferably the same diameter as the pole 17 so as to fit around the pole 17 and create a seal therebetween. The band 23 is attached to the platform 14 by any suitable material, such as adhesive.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the support of the game device. The device 11 further includes a mount 19 that attaches the skull 12 to a vertical support surface, such as a wall. The mount 19 is L-shaped, whereby the upper end of the mount 19 is attached to the interior of the skull 12 and the lower, rear end of the mount 19 is attached to a wall. The mount 19 is fastened to the skull 12 and wall by any suitable fastener, such as screws or adhesives. The skull 12 includes an aperture adapted to receive a fastener 26 therethrough. The upper end of the mount 19 is placed within the upper, rear portion of the skull 12, wherein the aperture of the skull 12 aligns with a channel 24 disposed in the upper end of the mount 19.

The game device further comprises a method of play. The methods of play include one or more players. The players alternate turns tossing rings at a target configured as a deer skull, wherein the deer skull includes one or more beams having a plurality of points. Each player receives a predetermined number of rings to toss per turn, such as six rings per turn. Each player is required to stand a predetermined distance from the target. The rings are preferably circular in configuration and composed of any suitable material, such as rubber, to provide a safer throwing element due to the rounded edges and absorbent properties. The diameter of the rings are preferably larger than the diameter of the points so to allow the rings to fit thereon. In some embodiments, the throwing elements can be other configurations, such as square or U-shaped.

In a first method of play, each point disposed on the beam of the target is provided with a predetermined numerical value, wherein a player receives the predetermined numerical value for tossing a ring onto a specified point disposed on a beam. For example, a point disposed horizontally on a beam comprises a higher numerical value than a point disposed vertically on a beam. The first player to receive a predetermined goal value wins the game. Furthermore, a ring tossed onto a point remains on the point throughout the game. If an opposing player tosses a ring onto the same point during the game, the numerical value received by the original player is removed from their score.

In a second method of play, each player is required to toss the rings onto the points disposed on the beam of the target in a specified sequence of points. Each point is provided with a predetermined numerical value, wherein a player receives the predetermined numerical value for tossing a ring onto the specified point in the specified sequence. A ring tossed onto a point remains on the point throughout the game. If an opposing player tosses a ring onto the same point, the numerical value received by the original player is removed from their score. The players are required to toss rings onto all the points that received rings from the opposing player before the player is able to score a numerical value.

In a third method of play, similar to the second method of play, each player is required to toss the rings onto the points of the beam of the target in a specified sequence of points. However, a numerical value is not assigned to any points disposed on the target. A player is required to remove a ring tossed on a point if the ring was tossed onto the point out of sequence. The player that tosses all the rings onto the points in the specified sequence wins a game.

It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. 

1) A game device, comprising: a target in the shape of an animal skull; a support having a base securable to a support surface and adapted to secure said target and hold said target in an upright configuration. 2) The game device of claim 1, wherein said target is a deer skull including one or more beams extending from the upper end of said deer skull having a plurality of points extending from said one or more beams. 3) The game device of claim 1, wherein said support comprises a vertical elongated pole and a base, wherein a first end of said vertical elongated pole supports said target thereon and a second end of said vertical elongated pole is removably attached to said base. 4) The game device of claim 3, wherein said vertical elongated pole comprises a first rod and a second rod, wherein said second rod is adjustably positioned within said first rod, such that the length of said vertical elongated pole can be adjusted. 5) The game device of claim 4, further comprising a locking mechanism disposed on said vertical elongated pole adapted to adjustably secure a length of said vertical elongated pole. 6) The game device of claim 5, wherein said locking mechanism comprises a plurality of apertures disposed on said first rod, a plurality of apertures disposed on said second rod, and a screw, wherein said plurality of apertures disposed on said first rod are adapted to align with said plurality of apertures disposed on said second rod, wherein said screw is adapted to fit through an aligned aperture of said first rod and said second rod. 7) The game device of claim 3, further comprising a platform adapted to receive a throwing element thereon, wherein said platform includes an opening in a center thereof adapted to receive said vertical elongated pole therethrough. 8) The game device of claim 7, wherein said platform comprises a mesh netting and an X-shaped support adapted to provide structure to said mesh netting, wherein said X-shaped support is disposed beneath said mesh netting and extends from said opening of said platform to a perimeter of said platform. 9) The game device of claim 7, wherein a perimeter of said opening includes a band adapted to prevent said platform from slipping down said vertical elongated pole. 10) The game device of claim 3, wherein said base is hollow and includes an opening adapted to receive fluid or solids therein. 11) The game device of claim 10, wherein said opening is removably covered by a plug. 12) The game device of claim 1, wherein said target comprises an aperture disposed on an upper, rear portion thereof and said support comprises a channel, wherein a fastener is positioned through said aperture and into said channel, such that said target is removably attached to said support. 13) The game device of claim 1, wherein said support comprises an L-shaped support structure adapted to mount said target on a support surface, wherein an upper end of said L-shaped support structure is attached to said target and a lower, rear end of said L-shaped support structure is attached to said support surface. 14) A method of playing the game device, comprising: providing a target resembling an animal skull with one or more beams having a plurality of points thereon; providing players a plurality of rings; assigning a predetermined number of said plurality of rings per turn; assigning a predetermined numerical value for said plurality points that receives said plurality of rings thereon; tossing said plurality of rings onto said plurality of points of said target, whereby said predetermined point value is scored; removing said predetermined numerical value from said player, if said plurality of points receives said plurality of rings thereon tossed by an opposing player, wherein said plurality of points has already received a ring thereon from said player. 15) (canceled) 16) A method of playing the antler game, comprising: providing a target resembling an animal skull with one or more beams having a plurality of points thereon; providing players a plurality of rings; assigning a predetermined number of said plurality of rings per turn; assigning a predetermined numerical value for said plurality points that receives said plurality of rings thereon; sequencing said plurality of points, wherein said player must toss said plurality of rings onto said plurality of points in said sequence; tossing said plurality of rings onto said plurality of points in said sequence. 